LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS , Member: North Carolina State Bar, 2004 Member: North Carolina Real Estate Commission, 2007, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT , Volunteer Mediator: Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee; Volunteer- Girl Scouts of America
M.J. Clay,
Summary
Judicial professional with strong record in delivering fair and well-reasoned decisions. Known for thorough legal analysis, impeccable integrity, and strong courtroom management. Valued for collaborative approach and adaptability, ensuring effective teamwork and consistent results. Skilled in legal research, case assessment, and maintaining judicial decorum. Trusted for sound judgment and ethical standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Judge
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Charlotte, NC
05.2009 - Current
- Conducted hearings to review and decide claims arising under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Determine the weight and credibility of evidence presented by opposing parties; Issue decisions on liability and damages to after considering all of the evidence submitted; Review and Rule on Motions for Summary Judgment; Conducted case mediation and settlement negotiations to resolve matters prior to adjudication; manage other associated administrative case adjudication; and self- direct all aspect of case management.
- Select Accomplishments:
- Successfully meet and exceed case management goals of closing between 70-90 cases per year;
- Effectively resolve numerous cases through mediation which results in over1 million dollars in recovery on an annual basis;
- Provide community outreach and training to a variety of schools, special interest groups, and federal agencies on topics such as Title VII, harassment, and other purviews of discrimination
Agency Attorney
United States Postal Service
Charlotte, NC
11.2006 - 05.2009
- Handled matters raised under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merit System Protection Board, and US District Court; drafted responsive motions and litigation reports concerning all purviews of employment discrimination, merit based complaints, and other similar matters
- Assisted U.S
- Attorney's Office with Postal employee's pre employment claims to Federal District Court for adjudication
- Conducted case mediation and settlement negotiations to resolve matters prior to adjudication
- Select Accomplishments:
- Maintained a100% success rate in cases decided at hearing or on dispositive motions;
- Consistently developed relationships between the USPS Law Department and District Managers, Labor Relations, and Union Officials;
- Successful negotiated settlement agreements in high demand cases, saving the Agency over $250,000 in potential civil penalties and liabilities; and
- Provided legal advice to management officials on matters concerning discrimination, disability accommodation, disciplinary matters, and other personnel issues
Assistant Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender
Gastonia, NC
01.2005 - 11.2006
- Provided criminal defense to clients charged in District, Superior, Juvenile, and Special Proceedings matters in Gaston County; Litigated criminal cases involving traffic, misdemeanor, juvenile, felony, and probation matters; Attended numerous CLE concerning various topics such as, representing the mentally ill, domestic violence, and juvenile justice
- Select Accomplishments:
- Maintained a caseload of over1300 cases, including misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and special proceeding cases
- Litigated several State Superior Court jury trials and over 100 State District Court bench trials with approximately a 95% success rate
- Assisted clients in locating community resources ordered by judgment or suggested by the presiding official
Agency Paralegal
United States Postal Service
Charlotte
11.2003 - 01.2005
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
- Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
- Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
Adjunct Professor
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Taught Criminal Law and Legal Research and Writing courses, providing instruction to paralegal studies students. Instructed upper classman in Legal Writing I & II and Criminal Law and Procedure
- Assisted in developing materials and curriculum for computer based legal research
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
Training Associate
LexisNexis, North Carolina Central University- School of Law
Durham, NC
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Trained law students, faculty, and special interest groups to effective and efficient legal research using LexisNexis; Participated in developing and promoting new products and services focused toward students, faculty, and academic consumers
- Named Outstanding Regional Associate in2002
Education
J.D. - Legal Studies
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY-SCHOOL OF LAW
Durham, NC05-2003
Arbitration & Mediation; Certified District Court Mediator - Arbitration/ Mediation
North Carolina Central University- School of Law
Charlotte, NC07-2001
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration-Management
University of North Carolina- Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05-2000
Skills
- Analytical reasoning
- Impartiality
- Ethical judgment
- Dispute resolution
- Opinion writing
Interests
Timeline
Administrative Judge
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
05.2009 - Current
Agency Attorney
United States Postal Service
11.2006 - 05.2009
Assistant Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender
01.2005 - 11.2006
Adjunct Professor
Central Piedmont Community College
01.2005 - 01.2007
Agency Paralegal
United States Postal Service
11.2003 - 01.2005
Training Associate
LexisNexis, North Carolina Central University- School of Law
08.2001 - 05.2003
J.D. - Legal Studies
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY-SCHOOL OF LAW
Arbitration & Mediation; Certified District Court Mediator - Arbitration/ Mediation
North Carolina Central University- School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration-Management
University of North Carolina- Charlotte